You might not recognize Amaiya Zafar in her cap and gown, but you probably have heard about her. Zafar is the young Muslim boxer who fought for over two years to obtain a waiver to participate in amateur boxing fights while wearing a hijab. She made national news in her quest and finally won the right to wear her hijab as an amateur boxer. A homeschool student, she has been attending Saint Paul College as a Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Exercise Sciences program.

“My favorite class was Anatomy & Physiology with Steven Hiebert. He was an awesome teacher. I work out a lot, so I learned about all of the muscles…and that was mind-blowing to me!”

Zafar started PSEO two years ago and took all of her classes at the College. She's now graduating from high school and also graduating with a 2-year degree. Competing in boxing at the Olympics is her next goal.

“Amaiya’s love of boxing is what drove her to our program,” says Jeremy Sartain, Personal Trainer/ Exercise Sciences program instructor. “She wants to make it a career including training future boxers, and the program was an ideal fit.”

The learning experience at Saint Paul College is very positive for PSEO students as they are readily accepted by their classmates, and assimilate easily into the academic environment and welcoming campus atmosphere.

The PSEO Program

For high school students seeking a more rigorous academic experience, Postsecondary Enrollment Options provides the unique experience of attending college while still in high school. PSEO students can attend either part-time or full-time during the fall and spring academic school year, with tuition, fees, and textbooks provided at no cost. MORE INFO

This article originally appeared in our College Magazine - Fall 2018. Download a free copy to read more stories like this one.